Yoni's+Page

Hello Wiki World

Check this out.... It's what teaching is all about!!! http://www.ted.com/talks/john_hunter_on_the_world_peace_game.html

Below is my abstract... Hope you enjoy my rant!!!!!!!!!!!!!

** What’s bothering me about technology ** It seems that the use of technology in the classroom has become so necessary that without it, teachers don’t stand a chance to connect with students, keep them interested in their lessons, or seem as though they are “with it” in today’s ever changing technological landscape. I tend to agree with this notion. Students need stimulation beyond the frontal lecture of yester-year. I have seen this first hand in the classrooms that I have taught in and using technology has brought me closer to my students. They not only view me as a teacher behind the desk, but one who is constantly challenging himself in order to stay fresh with his lessons. One such technology that I used was in conjunction with The University of Michigan School of Education. They created a website entitled “Place out of Time” where students would interact as real historical characters within a framework of a trial. During the trial the students were required to voice their opinion as they think their character would have felt. In other words, Abraham Lincoln would have “conversations” with Ruth Bader Ginsburg over issues from environmental awareness to racism in America. At my school, we developed a track that had a Jewish spin where all of the characters were from Jewish History and the trial that was set for us was based on if a family fleeing Sudan should be given refuge in the State of Israel. The twist however, was that the family had connections to known terrorist organizations, which they claim was only because they were fighting for their lives. The students had an absolute blast with the program and they benefitted greatly from the time spend interacting with the website. There was a large research component that was involved with the program as we, the teachers, picked people whom the students never heard of, but who were very influential with their impact on Jewish History. Students came to class with a charge for knowledge and wanting to interact in the virtual world of the courtroom where debates and coalitions would be formed. This is all wonderful. I, as the teacher, however faded. I feel as though as soon as the computer becomes the substitute for what it is that we do, then we have to ask ourselves… Why are we teachers? I had to make a huge effort in order to ask my students what they were doing and why they are thinking in certain ways, in order for them not to forget that I was in the room. Technology is wonderful. I use it everyday and I can’t wait to use it in my future classroom… But, I cannot let it take over for my teaching. Many teachers will depend too much on technology and then, they will cease to be the teacher in the room. A website will do that for them.

You can visit the site: []


 * Below is my radical resource.... You all know I love maps so here it is....**

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This is a link to free Bible Land maps from the site Searching the Scriptures. I believe the site is a little on the evangelical side but their maps are wonderful resources and should be used often.

I see myself using this maps in conjunction to teaching Sefer Yehoshua and the continuation of the conquest of Kings. Each map is clearly marked on the scroll down menu and as you click, you can see routes, battles fought, various different encampments, and Kingdom's. As a visual learner, this type of resource allows me to "get into" the topography of the Land of Israel and put myself in the moment and time of the story I am teaching. In addition, because my 8th graders will be coming to Israel to visit for their graduation, this is a wonderful way for my to begin teaching about Israel, and showing them that they are going to be walking in the same places that we are studying about.

I am a huge proponent for personalization of the text and this is the way to do it. Barry Holtz talked about the importance of personalizing the texts that you study and teach, and by using maps and tangible evidence, the history will come alive for them in the classroom. The maps are 100% clear and can be read and reproduced for the students. One of the ways that I would like to use the site is to print a map in a poster format and then have laminated. Then with the use of a dry erase marker, track the movements of one tribe in relation to others on the map itself. Students will then be able to see how they camps moved, and what was behind some of the decisions that were made for the moving a certain times.

The website is a wonderful resource and I can't wait to implement it whenever given the chance!!